THE STORY OF ME

“Not all who wonder are lost”- J.R.R.Tolkien

Who Is Leonardo Cossari?

I’ve been asking myself that question for the last 40 odd years and I find the answer keeps evolving but I can tell you this;

I’m an ideas guy, a photographer, a writer of stories, a self-taught blogger, a constant cook and sometimes gardener, who loves a good book and a well made Negroni.

AUSTRALIA

In the wacky year of 1971, I made my grand entrance into this world in the wild suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Picture this: a mischievous blend of Aussie spirit and Italian flair! Yep, I’m a second-generation Italian-Australian, and let me tell you, my family is straight out of a sitcom. They’re loud, they’re proud, and they definitely keep life interesting. Their larger-than-life personalities have always fueled my endless curiosity, thirst for adventure, and stubborn determination. Life’s never been dull, that’s for sure! So buckle up, folks, because this story is just getting started! Cue the dramatic theme music.

Ah, let’s take a trip down memory lane to the glorious era of the 80s, where I frolicked my way through childhood, basking in the radiant neon glow. Those were the days, my friend! But alas, high school proved to be a different story. Picture this: an all-boys, sports-obsessed, holy roller Catholic school. And then there was me, a pudgy, art-loving, campy fellow, who couldn’t even kick a ball straight to save his life. Can you feel the disaster brewing?

Fast forward to 1989, and I decided to embark on a grand adventure called “Let’s Be an Actor!” Oh, the auditions, the rejections, the endless waiting for that magical phone call which never came. So what’s a wannabe thespian to do? Well, I thought, let’s give this design thing a whirl. Off I went to community college, armed with a certificate in art and design, ready to conquer the creative world!

But wait, there’s more! The following year, I dove headfirst into a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Production at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts. Can you imagine the raised eyebrows and skeptical glances I received from my classmates? Yet, I persevered, undeterred by the naysayers and armed with my passion for the stage.

Then, in 1992, life decided to throw me a curveball. My dear mother unexpectedly passed away from an aneurysm. It was a devastating blow, a punch to the gut, and a heartbreaking turn of events. But you know what they say about silver linings? It ignited a fire within me, a spark of resilience and a thirst for life. I channeled that newfound strength into my work and continued to pursue my dreams, even in the face of adversity.

And so, armed with my degree in hand, I ventured into the world of freelance set and costume design. A career path filled with creativity, excitement, and the occasional wardrobe malfunction. Life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths, doesn’t it? But hey, that’s what makes for a great story!

So there you have it, a tale of triumph, laughter, and a few tears along the way. The journey of a slightly misfit artist in a world of jocks and holy rites.

New York City

“In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take”- Lewis Carroll

In 1995, a burning desire ignited within me to embark on a transformative journey and uncover the boundless possibilities that awaited beyond the confines of Australia. That magical year marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in my life—one that would unfold in the vibrant streets of New York City. It was there that I embraced the limitless opportunities that lay before me, immersing myself in the enriching world of knowledge and creativity at New York University (N.Y.U) Tisch School of the Arts—a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.

With the invaluable lessons and experiences gained during my time at NYU, I had the privilege of channeling my artistic vision, writing compelling scripts, directing captivating performances, and producing remarkable Off-Broadway shows and independent films. Each endeavor became a testament to the untamed spirit of creativity within me, igniting a journey of self-expression that continues to thrive.

For a more comprehensive overview of my professional achievements, feel free to explore my LinkedIn profile, where you’ll discover a tapestry woven with creativity, perseverance, and unwavering passion.

In the realm of business commonly referred to as showbiz, there existed an unpredictable dichotomy of prosperity and scarcity. To augment my financial resources, I sought employment in the hospitality industry, assuming various roles including waiter, bartender, and manager across a spectrum of upscale dining establishments as well as less esteemed bars and clubs.

In the year 2010, a rekindled passion for literary expression beckoned me towards the realm of prose. In pursuit of honing my writing acumen and aspiring to craft a literary masterpiece, I enrolled in the prestigious Writers Studio. It is there that I endeavored to refine my skills, a pursuit that continues to this day as I strive to bring forth the nascent brilliance of my yet-to-be-realized novel and/or blog.

“We all have one great book in us, it’s writing it that will kill you”

ITALY

In the eventful year of 2016, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and a myriad of challenges, my partner and I made a bold decision. We carefully orchestrated our departure, bidding farewell to friends and familiar landmarks, and embarked on a journey to the captivating country of Italy in search of a more fulfilling existence.

To our delight, we discovered precisely what we sought.

Presently, you may find me engrossed in my work at our charming countryside retreat, meticulously crafting prose akin to a scholar in a secluded study. Alternatively, I may be traversing the awe-inspiring landscapes of ‘Bella Italia’ and beyond, accompanied by my esteemed partner, cherished family members, and a select group of enthusiastic companions. It is here, at Centro Storico 21, that I have the privilege of sharing the chronicles of our remarkable adventures.

Thank you for letting my story become part of your story. Here’s to those shared moments!

Please remember to subscribe to keep tabs on my adventures.

Kindest Regards

Leonardo.

This is a personal blog, all thoughts and content are my own and yes occasionally you may see a grammar or spelling mistake, please forgive me as I am only human.

(c) 2019 All photographs by Leonardo Cossari unless otherwise specified.